People deliberately sabotaging shots

[Susie]

Originally Posted by Spyroviper

I do find it strange that people follow you. I mean, why? What purpose in life does it complete?

I wish I knew. lol.

However, like the other ladies on here I won't be stuck indoors for fear of going out on my own. I go where I want, when I want.

I have been followed on several occasions and am very aware of my own personal safety when I am out. One chap last year kept on appearing and trying to make conversation. I was polite but distant. Several times I changed my route and thought I had managed to lose him but still he would appear when I didn't expect it. Creepy. Some people are chatty and friendly and you know they aren't a problem but you get the occasional one where you know they are a bit odd.

[cosmicma]

this thread seems to have gone from sabotage to defending yourself in a crisis but i have to admit being safe is more important than getting the photo

i read through this thread yesteday and it's suprising how many people out there do try to upset/sabotage your photo i get it every now and again but i don't let it get to me i just carry on as if i didn't notice i think if they don't get a reaction they move on ( most of em do )
i sometimes go photographing the local wildlife with a friend who's geting on a bit now and he doesn't half rip into em if they try sabotaging anything i'm not so bold myself but it's worth taking him for the entertainment factor

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by cosmicma

this thread seems to have gone from sabotage to defending yourself in a crisis but i have to admit being safe is more important than getting the photo

Yes, I agree.

I think with the minority hell-bent on getting in the way it's a fine-line between just being generally annoying, to putting the photographer in a position where they feel uncomfortable, then to vulnerable - especially in remote/secluded areas. In the very first post we were told how someone was following the OP, which was sabotage/annoying at the least, to intimidating I should think.

[foxy mars]

I've taken 100's of photos over the years and do find some people are just plain nosey or down right curious, probably the latter. I was in my local High Street the other week with my new digi compact and thought I would try it out on the Town Hall. But the local yobs or chavs, were in the vicinity. There later moved on, I was not taking chances with them there.

The other Saturday, I was down by the River Tees taking a few shots and one nosey bloke was looking towards me.

Yes, photography is very rewarding and relaxing pastime, but some people can be annoying at times. One time, a kindly gentleman came up to me and started talking to me me about photography and what I was photographing. He was there for about 5 minutes, in the end I said I have a bus to catch. I wish people would mind there own business and buzz off.

I can understand the blights that people cause to the female photographer, but there is some sad people walking our streets.

[Amoeba]

Originally Posted by cosmicma

this thread seems to have gone from sabotage to defending yourself in a crisis but i have to admit being safe is more important than getting the photo

That's what I said!

[vole-woman]

I haven't read every single post in the thread, apologies, but in response to the OP I've had occasional hassle when I'm taking photographs. Mostly I get genuine interest, from kids and adults alike, but on a couple of occasions I've had intimidation, including one time a group of teens threw what I thought were a series of stones at my back (but, bizarrely, turned out to be pieces of chocolate).

My tip is to either 'zone out' - totally ignore any cat-calls or whatever, and if you're feeling threatened, move slowly and casually away as though you were going anyway. Or, if you're feeling really teed off, as I was in the chocolate incident, turn the camera on them and then go straight home and phone the police. I agree with the posters who say that we shouldn't allow ourselves to be intimdated away from public spots we like to be. After the throwing incident, I made sure I went straight back to the same place the following night, because I thought, They are NOT going to restrict my movements!

[foxy mars]

Slighty off topic, but I do the "zone-out" if I'm cycling. It does work, esq stupid voices coming from passing cars.

[coasty]

Originally Posted by PMG

You both get the thumbs up from me - I couldn't have expressed it better

Pauline

How about this?

My Mother and a work mate were once confronted by a flasher as they walked home from Bingo,, Apparantly as he flashed himself he used the immortal words "what do you think of that then" my mothers friend quick as a flash said oh yes its like a c,,k only smaller,,,,,At that point he took flight..

As for been out at night alone it can be intimidating for men and woman. Sadly there are idiots about but generally acting confident and staying composed does the trick,

I will relate one tale though I was fly fishing on the river near my house it was about 1.30 in the morning and pitch black I was stood midstream ( wearing chest waders ) just below a road bridge that has a weir almost underneath it.
I heard a car pull up and could hear voices and it was soon apparant that a young couple were now on the bank leaning against the bridge abutment wall, It was a strange situation I couldnt see anyone but could hear what was going on between them ,They obviousley had no idea I was there and Things were obviousley getting quite advanced and there was a passionate discussion between them wether he should or shouldnt,,

This went on for ages but eventually I said very loudly will you make up your minds and get on with it there are spirits trying to sleep,,,, Never have I heard two people move so fast ,. Oh how I would liked to have seen their face,,,

And i swear that really happened

[Hedge Witch]

ROFL coasty Love it!!!

[agrumpycow]

Nice story Coasty! Bet you chuckled to yourself the rest of the night!